A group of young former refugees have organised an event in Nelson today to connect with other young people from similar backgrounds ahead of World Refugee Day.
Red Cross youth worker Khem Pyakurel. Photo: Samantha Gee
The New Kiwi Youth group have organised the event with the help of Red Cross youth worker Khem Pyakurel for young people who have come from Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Colombia.
World Refugee Day is Monday.
Pyakurel said the group wanted to do a water-based activity and together helped to plan and advertise the event.
"Coming from a refugee background, most of them won't have had access to swimming pools so this will be a first for some people."
They will have the chance to try stand-up paddleboarding, volleyball, tackle an inflatable course or participate in a swimming lesson at the Richmond Aquatic Centre today.
Pyakurel understands what having new experiences is like, as he came to New Zealand with his family from Bhutan 14 years ago.
He became a youth worker with the Red Cross after leaving high school, having volunteered with the organisation.
"Growing up here we didn't have the same opportunities that there is now so it makes me happy knowing that there is stuff here for the young people to do."
He said many of the youth won't have had a chance to swim in a pool before and he hopes it will help them to feel more confident in the water.
"We are hoping that it will build confidence around the water and that they will have lots of fun."
